TARA VERY MUCH NEEDS TO BE SAVED! I have lived in weho 6 years and i very much have noticed that weho is not a tree city usa city. as i walk around our unique and diverse city i can see one thing spreading like a disease and that is small lots filled with ugly subterranean parking "ugly" garages with typical average tract built apartments over them. this style of building looks like rows of used car lots and sewer pipes exposed for every one to see.

Gary EricksonWest Hollywood, CA -

I drive by this beautiful home almost everyday heading to my gym. I havebeen curious about visiting this website for some time. I'm glad Ilogged onto it today. I am a resident of Hollywood and volunteer mytime to save as much historic building as possible. I helped save theMax Factor building in the 90's and lately I have been active inpreventing the city of LA from demolishing the historic FlorentineGardens. Someone once described Los Angeles as “a movie set which getstorn down every so often to change the scenery”. Far to often what getsremoved is a beautiful and historic and replaced by something ugly.Such as Sunset Plaza where Schwabs once stood.

Keep fighting for Tara. Write letters to city council members and the media. It is possible to save this structures, but it takes work. What works is writing letters and making noise. Keep up the good work!

BJ BurchfieldHollywood, CA -

I live right around the corner and it would be a shame to destroy such a lovely piece of architecture!

Mike MurphyWest Hollywood, CA -

I'm horrified to hear of the planned demolition of this beautiful house. I have passed by it enumerable times and admired it. It seems to be an American penchant to destroy its architectural history. I am speechless with indignation, sorrow, and frustration over my inability to help preserve this wonderful Los Angelean legacy.

Stephanie VlahosWest Hollywood, CA -

Yet again it seems the politicians are in the pockets of the developers. It really thought the city of West Hollywood was more enlightened than this; but I guess not. I lived in West Hollywood for a few years and always stopped to marvel at this large white house with its lovely trees, still-intact in an ever-denser setting. I hope you can save it for everyone's sake.

I'm so sick of the greedy rich guys getting to build everything they want and then scoop-up the money while the tax-payers have to give them "breaks" and "incentives" to build these eyesores that are a blight to the city. Give 'em Hell!

Alex NewmanLos Angeles, CA -

Laurel Avenue has become the on-ramp to the Fountain Freeway!! Stop the madness of over-development.

Brian HamiltonWest Hollywood, CA -

Ihave lived on this block for nine years. My great grandparents passedthrough this city when it was Mexico before they settled in Texas. WhenI walk by this beautiful property almost every morning on my way to thegym, I recall that although Los Angeles is a young city (vis-à-visother cities in the US/world), it has a history. This home reminds methat West Hollywood is more than a transient hot-spot, but aneighborhood and a community to many (including me). Anyone who doesnot recognize the historical or environmental impact of the proposedrenovation should not be in office. I am not a political person, but Iam now.

RJ (Resident - North Laurel)West Hollywood, CA -

The gift of Tara should be enjoyed in perpetuity by ALL residents of West Hollywood. This is the only way to keep faith with Elsie Weisman who gave this property to West Hollywood believing it would be kept intact because only 4 years earlier the property had been designated a local cultural resource by the city of West Hollywood. Her act of generosity should not be deformed and compromised by a real estate development disguised as a social service.

When the income restrictions required by the HUD grant and in the development agreement between the city and the two development companies, WHCHC and WASET, lapse, this property will then be owned by the developers free and clear of all obligation to keep it as senior housing. It seems like a very poor use of public resources to give away a valuable property to private developers for $10.00 in order to gain a project funded by further public money in the form of a HUD grant. Where is the quid pro quo? What are the developers providing in return for all this publicly funded largesse? What will become of those unfortunate seniors who will be living in these units when the income restrictions lapse?

Furthermore, under the terms of the HUD grant, the living units provided by this proposal will be subject to a National Lottery that will be open to people from all over the country. As it is, people who have lived for years in West Hollywood are being denied housing by WHCHC while newer arrivals are housed in units funded by HUD and the city of West Hollywood.

Tarais a unique example of the kind of building that existed in this areabefore the development of multi-family housing in the 20’s. We can seefrom Elsie Weisman’s journals that at one time large houses of thiskind existed in quantity but these were gradually replaced by apartmentbuildings. Tara is the only one remaining.

Thebuilding project being proposed for this site will destroy ancillarybuildings in the form of garages and also possibly the chauffeur’scottage, all of which were indispensable adjuncts to the life of agreat house in that time. No family living this kind of life would havebeen without its cars and a chauffeur on tap at all hours to drive themto and from their social engagements. We may disapprove of thislifestyle at this time but we gain nothing for the social contract byobliterating the objective evidence of history.

The 4-story structure that is being proposed will also destroy a major part of the grounds and old-growth trees and completely dominate the site. This totally alters the relationship of the house to its grounds. The conversion of the interior of the house into 6 living units that will necessitate the siting of an elevator, will further remove any remaining resemblance to the kind of house that exists now. Fencing off the front garden impacts disastrously on the wide welcoming front porch that is a critical element of the whole approach to the front door and an inescapable part of the ambiance of this house.

The most appropriate use for Tara is to manage it as a park and cultural center and possibly use the upstairs rooms as office space that would generate income for the maintenance of the property and the salary of an on-site manager. There would be a huge waiting list to rent this kind of office space in this location and you could ask your price and cover all the costs of maintaining the house and grounds.

Such a park would be of enormous benefit to the community. West Hollywood is very deficient in parks. The enormous influx of people to this city, growing daily, has created a density that generates a frazzled state of nervousness and anxiety. The park would allow people to relax in a peaceful environment in the presence of a beautiful building that connects them to the perspective of past lives lived in that place. The therapeutic benefits of such experiences are vital to maintaining a healthy city. That is a service that the city can provide by dedicating this property as a park for all time.

We must not be short-sighted and destroy and wantonly give away a resource that has come to the city out of the generosity of one of its citizens. Further increasing the density of Laurel Avenue will have a very deleterious effect on the quality of life for its residents and those on nearby streets. Everyone in this area comments on what is happening at Tara and what I hear constantly is dismay at the possibility of losing such a beautiful place by leaving it a shell dominated by a concrete bunker that swallows up most of the grounds.

Thatis not rehabilitation or restoration. If it is allowed it willcontribute to the creeping destruction of our environment by excessivedevelopment. It also makes it pretty difficult for the city to protectthose trophy buildings that have been placed on the Historic ResourceInventory. If some future owner of the Villa D’Este decides he wants todo something similar to his property what will the city answer to himwhen he points to the city’s own actions on the historic property rightnext door?

I urge the city to abandon this ill-conceived plan.

With utmost respect,

Heavenly Wilson

West Hollywood, CA

PLEASE save Tara. it's beautiful. John Duran and John Heilman and Abbe Land have evil plans to the renters. Get them out!

Sofi VernaskyanaskiWest Hollywood, CA -

As a Russian, I am ashamed of the council voting to evict renters. I will never vote for Heilman or Land or Duran again. How do you say in English, "rotten to the core?" Shameful on them. They give us a war veterans memorial then they stab us in the back. Awful. Worse than soviet union.

Irenia"Eastside" West Hollywood, CA -

Tara is a treasure that must be preserved. It's infuriating that politicians increasingly ignore the taxpaying citizens they are supposed to serve.

Andrew TavoniLos Angeles, CA - Saturday,

I live in the Fairfax District near WeHo. For years, I've passed by and wondered about this unusual home. Set back in lush greenery on a street of apartment buildings of different vintages, it seemed like a magical place from another time. It almost looked like a movie set. Los Angeles has too few such remnants of its rich architectural and historical heritage. We cannot afford to lose another one, even for the good cause of senior housing. I'm also shocked and horrified by the fear of retribution WeHo citizens feel. You would think that the brilliant politicals in charge would realize that these same intimidated people hold the power to vote them out of office.

P. FienLos Angeles, CA -

Thank you so much for taking up this most worthwhile cause. I believe it shortsighted to develop, develop, develop in an already over developed area. There is more to progress than increasing revenue related to tax dollars. GREEN SPACE, A SENSE OF COMMUNITY, TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER...what happened to the values this city was founded on 20 yrs ago?

Johnny NicoloroWest Hollywood, CA -

The three politicians who voted to destroy Tara (Heilman, John Duran and abbey land) need to all be tossed out of office. please- John Duran is up for reelection soon. He does not deserve your vote. He meets with developers and billboard companies and liquor sellers but he doesn't care about the renters in our city. He's awful. They are all awful. God bless Jeff Prang for supporting renters.

Afraid to give my name due to councilWest Hollywood, CA -

I came across your site by accident. I live in Ireland and am part of a campaign to save the original Hill of Tara from development. Our government is giving the land to the developers - it's a national monument so no one else could. I'm shocked to see that your Tara is also public property, and the same greed to show profits on their watch seems to drive your city council. Are your City Council directly elected? Make this an election issue. Next time an election comes by, have a flyer in every home with questions to ask each candidate on the subject. If not directly, lobby those who have a say. In the end, they represent the city and that means you. I'll keep an eye on progress, good luck.

Dunsany, Ireland -

I have stayed in this stately manor. Save it. Once gone-gone forever. That would be sad to say this is a picture of what use to be here, when it actually could be there to better the neighborhood and add to its culture. Some how no matter how much you try, one cannot and should not replace people and history that goes into the preservation of TARA. Your city forest will be gone in the wonderfulness of the neighborhood will become just another ordinary neighborhood without explanation. The city of Charlotte in so many places has been stripped of historical buildings and beautiful forest no longer replaceable but concrete buildings and paved parking lots. Fight to save your community--This is its personal touch for all to enjoy!

Billy H. Wagley

Charlotte, North Carolina

You must save this magnificent structure from the hands of greedy developers.

Michael FrinkBodega Bay, CA -

Tara belongs to the people of West Hollywood, California and the rest of the nation. Let Tara stand!

Ricki LevineWest Hollywood, CA -

Let'shope the Tara can remain intact and loads of construction for years tocome will not be the eventual fate of this fine property. There areplenty of OTHER sites for senior housing in Weho, some like the Hancockproperty are ready for seniors and owned by the city!!!! Keep Taraintact, keep the grounds and home as a monument to the Los Angeles thatwas. Keep up the fight, 'cause after all, TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY!

Roy OldenkampUnknown location -

Good luck with your efforts. Sounds like a raw deal. I hope you're having some success in saving that beautiful home.

MadaraRenton, WA - Sunday,

Heilman has been here too long. Just like in Russia, they wont give up throne. Now look at the mess. With Heilman and his puppets of land and Duran, renters are no longer safe in our homes. Vote them all out. Now is the time to fear; and they keep grinning. Good luck, Tara renters.

Tony N.Unknown, CA -

What a beautiful home Tara is. I only wish the bulldozers could come for the homes of the three city council members that want to destroy our history -- Land, Duran and Heilman. They are all hypocrites who just want more votes from packing in more poor people into our city. What a courageous fight and yes, you will win!

ScottyWest Hollywood, CA -

We as a community must stand up for our rights our children's rights. If we allow this to be demolished what we have seen with our eyes will not be seen by the next generation. This house represents yesterday and must be kept for tomorrow.

J.B.Woodhouse West Hollywood, CA -

I am the new owner of "Cheri Amour" a Historical Building known Internationally as "THE LAST U.S. residence of Jim Morrison" (of the band "THE DOORS.") which I have opened up for tours. I fell in love with my charming, 1932 Spanish building at 8214 W. Norton Ave. because it is a "living" legend of the Wonderful Golden era of Hollywood, a symbol of what WE in West Hollywood represent to people all over the world. Destroying "Tara" over the almighty buck is destroying ourselves- our past, present & future.

Cheri WoodsWest Hollywood, CA -

I certainly wish you the best in preserving your history and heritage. We in Torrance are also struggling to preserve our history and what we have in terms of open space. I have been past Tara many times while visiting friends and family and have always enjoyed walking past its serene grounds. Keep up the good work!

MartyTorrance, CA -

I have walked by this home many times and always thought it was a beautiful home. It should stand forever.

Clinton BoundsTarzana, CA -

I hope you win!!!!!!!!!!! I walk by all the time, and it would be a shame to have it torn down.

StephanieLos Angeles, CA -

I live in the Granville, another historical building in West Hollywood and I chose to live here because it brings charm and history to an an otherwise stucco existence. I am all for new development and modern architecture but there is enough space in West Hollywood to develop new housing without destroying what little history we have left.

Abdi NazemianWest Hollywood, CA -

We have a g_d da_m city council that hates renters. I feel ashamed that I voted for these jerks year after year and now look how they treat us. it's worse than Russia. Renters need to wake up and vote these jerks out of office.

Pachinko VernagonovitchWest Hollywood, CA -

The City of West Hollywood should be ashamed of themselves. Tara is a symbol of our past which should be preserved and appreciated in times when everyone is all too willing to destruct our history for the sake of hideous, pre-fab, Home Depot monstrosities with no character.

Steve BavaWest Hollywood, CA -

True seniors need affordable housing. Building 20-something units will not even put a dent in the senior housing problem. Millions of dollars spent to house so few people, seniors or youth. Who on earth thinks that is a good idea? Beside that point, the city wouldn't let the owner do something similar to her own building while it was hers. I smell something fishy.......

DinoWest Hollywood, CA -

I am a 36 yr old, wife mother of two and California native. The Tara is one of the most beautiful and breath taking historical manors. Please understand that in order to make history you often build or enhance on what you already have. Please save the Tara Mansion.

Angelique Hawley-RawlsLos Angeles, CA -

It is a shame that an historic green space is being trampled on to provide housing when so many other spaces are available for housing. Green space in LA is rare enough as it is. Leave Tara alone.

Karen ElderLos Angeles, CA -

Save Tara. How many Apartment buildings are there in West Hollywood? How many "Taras" are there in West Hollywood? You do the math. West Hollywood already destroyed the original farm homes along San Vicente to put up a monster development. What's next?

I live on Laurel Avenue, just across from "Tara". I have lived there for 14 years and enjoy the beauty that "Tara" brings to our street. I encourage you to continue the fight, and support your fully. I have donated and signed petitions and hope our voice will be heard loud and clear!!!!

Pat SullivanWest Hollywood, CA -

It's a shame that the city wants to destroy this landmark. I live on Laurel, and I show TARA to all of my friends and family who come to visit.

Seth HorowitzWest Hollywood, CA -

Please let me know what else I can do to help.

Joel QuaresimoWest Hollywood, CA -

Yes,I agree with you. TARA must be saved. It is unique and beautiful. Letme express another point of view at the problem. I represent a big partof WEHO residents (mostly Russian-Jewish refugees), a low-income familyman, a potential tenant of those low-income apartments. It is not asecret that the majority of West Hollywood residents are wealthy and donot have children and for them hard to understand our problems. We cameto America without any money with two suitcases and our children noteven knowing how to speak English. Thanks to West Hollywood, where wecould find a shelter and friendly neighbors. We are working hard tryingto survive and live in a friendly, relatively safe neighborhood. We donot want to move to cheaper areas and raise our children betweencriminals just because West Hollywood homeowners raise rent prices. Wedesperately need affordable housing and place for our children to play.There are a few public parks in West Hollywood. Unfortunately they areturned to public dogs’ defecation spots. Obviously we need to close atleast one park (Kings Road) for our hairy friends and, of course, saveTara for our children.

Resident of WeHoWest Hollywood, CA -

I live in Hollywood, above Sunset,west of Fairfax, I know this home. I drive down Laurel every other dayon my way to the West Hollywood Swimming Pool. I believe this structureto be a very important historical artifact of West Hollywood, and theCity should be very lucky to own the property. The city should open thehome up for tours during the weekends and spotlight the history itserves for the area. Once the home is vacant, the city could use it fora Bed and Breakfast for visiting dignitaries. And have tours of thehome all week long. The surrounding property is also very important dueto the size and the landscaping. This shows the lushness of the areawhen the home was built. The city has also been known to mess up onother community housing projects in the past, let’s not let this oneget messed up the same way. Please let me know if there is anythingelse I can do to help with the preservation of this relic. Thanks forputting this website together.

Grant TaylorLos Angeles, CA -

As a southerner I think it's a shame to see such a beautiful reminder of home disgraced in this way.

Elizabeth KirvenHollywood, CA -

Good Luck...my favorite house in Hollywood. I hope it is saved.

John OettingerChapel Hill, NC -

How can the city do this when the owner who donated it to the city never intended anything like this to happen?? Did the former owner not properly specify her wishes? I am totally opposed to any changes to this beautiful property. I HATE the development that is going on in this city and others. I have sympathy for elderly folks who desire a residency, but this should be at the most a park, keeping all structures and grounds fully intact. Look at Waddles park! This has been kept up and no one is trying to turn this into a nursing home (at least, not to my knowledge).

How can the city council members or others involved make snap decisions without giving consideration to the will of the former owner???

It makes me angry. When is the next city council meeting? Is there some sort of a petition that needs to be signed? Please let me know. Thanks

Catherine GoedeckerWest Hollywood, CA -

Lovely property. Hope this helps.

Michael SpragueWest Hollywood, CA -

I am outraged by the mayor and his cohorts!

We must save the property and kick these people out of office!

Lori SchwartzWest Hollywood, CA -

Thank you for filing your lawsuit. I hope Dick Weisman seeks to rescind the gift entirely and apply a deed restriction that preserves the site as she intended..

It clearly is a case of the city gaining undue advantage by first denying the elder Weisman's development proposal by declaring the site historic, inducing her to donate the land to the city since the city would not allow development, only to proffer their own development plan. Shameful!

Also it is time to nail the city dead to rights on it's flagrant disregard for CEQA and other laws.

The manner in which the Council acts in private and in concert with private development interests smells of old fashioned graft. Time for the DA to investigate; it is no different than Compton, South Gate or San Bernardino County. Where is the public integrity unit of the DA office? We need you in WeHo.

AnonymousUnknown location -

I am from Europe and we have learned to appreciate old buildings and put an effort into holding them in good shape. Its a part of history and we are happy to keep it that way. Wish I could say the same in this situation. Great effort, you guys. Don't stop!

KaraWest Hollywood, CA -

I am so tired of pushed in together apts, and condos. What greed is doing to W.H. is unforgivable. The City Council members obviously have no historic appreciation or artistic taste.

G. HarrisBeverly Hills, CA -

Tara is a magnificent mansion with its surrounding grounds and beautiful trees. It is a gorgeous memory of how people lived in the past, and it must stay for the future to maintain some kind of history of the past.

Peter MedakWest Hollywood, CA -

My fellow lives next door to Tara, and for the past two years I've been enchanted with her beauty, dignity, and welcome - she is a happy reminder of grace and ease, of style and substance in this hectic world. The ripping-down and crowding-in of these landmarks needs to STOP. This is the only one left on this street, it's what makes the street unique. And when, by the way, are we going to put the "developers" on trial and hold them accountable for the money-grubbing rapists, pillagers, plunderers and ravagers that they ARE? Would any one of them be caught dead living in anything that they "develop?" Indubitably NO....

StephanieEncino, CA -

How sad the city politicians can be this cruel and heartless. I left Russia to escape this kind of crime so its very upsetting that the rules of our city are no better than Brezhnev and his cohorts. May the lord bless the Tara renters and their supporters. I'm praying for the souls of the Council that they may seek redemption from god.

Irena MiroskayaWest Hollywood, CA -

When the evictions take place, will Abbe Land, John Duran and John Heilman be supervising? What do you want to bet they will not be around for the evictions. They will issue press releases of how "unfortunate" it is. The whole lot of them are wicked. God Bless the fighters at Tara.

"Please don't evict me, Council!"

West Hollywood, CA -

Common citizens in WeHo feel enormous intimidation in this city. An environment of intimidation silences dissent and breeds abuse of power. I agree. It is time for local citizens to reserve all large development decisions to voters and remove them from the Council. The constant trampling of accountability, integrity and laws requiring public input and decision-making, leave us no choice. When will Steve Cooley look into the blatant abuses here in WeHo?

AnonymousWest Hollywood, CA -

Its really telling that so many of us feel the need to be "anonymous" in our comments. That is a result of the intense pressure and intimidation in this City to go along with the power brokers or pay a big price. Most people I know are disgusted by the Council's action in the Laurel property giveaway. Few will publicly voice their concerns, but do indicate they will 'speak' at the ballot box. The decimation of our City has to end.

Another Anonymous Citizen of WeHoWest Hollywood, CA -

TIME FOR A CITIZEN OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION AND GROWTH CONTROL INITIATIVE!

As a native, I am truly saddened by the loss of so much of what made this region great under the continued pressure of ill-considered development. Tara is a treasure. So is open space in this dense park-starved city. It seems nothing is safe from development pressure. And too many people who came from urbanized areas are entrusted with such important decisions. They are helping destroy California one cultural landmark at a time. I believe the only way to reign them in is to do what other citizens have resorted to with enormous success: initiatives that preserve parks, open space, cultural and natural landmarks, and reduced density. I believe it may be time for the citizens to reserve the big development for ourselves. Anyone wanna start?

AnonymousWest Hollywood, CA -

I was born and raised in L.A. and have lived in West Hollywood for over 35 years. I am dumbfounded that this kind of destruction still persists in this day and age!! Its outrageous!! I traveled by Tara many times during the week, and always think to myself how much I'd like to buy that house someday. There are no residences like it in this area. I see these beautiful places in the south of the U.S. with these great old homes over 100 and 200 years old and think how sad that L.A. is all about plastic and phony. Trying to preserve a culture and history should be pre-dominant here. After all, this IS OLD HOLLYWOOD. At least turn it into a grand old museum for people to come and see something and use the monies for improvements of WEHO!! How in the world did the city end up owning this house while someone is still living in it??!!

Mindy MillerWest Hollywood, CA -

What are we doing? Why are we tearing down one of West Hollywood's earliest landmarks? Is the mayor that closed to our history...to build apartments?Timothy BrodtWest Hollywood, CA -

This is one of the most outrageous public policy moves I have ever witnessed, and I've lived in several cities.To exploit a social concern (in this case senior housing) by destroying the spirit of this gift to the City is an abomination.MariaWest Hollywood, CA -

Three City Council members decided to take away parkland from nearly 40,000 people, (hundreds of old folks) and give that land to developers, (and around 20 west Hollywood seniors) and they're throwing in a half a million dollars. Are they doing this for the people? No. They never asked the people. Now, they're offering public input on design? It's a little too late. Isn't it. This is not democracy. This is arrogance. Susan F.West Hollywood, CA -

Iam not surprised by this. The city of West Hollywood is made up of abunch of liberal hypocrites. I am sure if Bush or Trump were doing thisthey'd be the first to protect Tara. Save Tara, it's the best thing inWest Hollywood.

Travis GoslandWest Hollywood, CA -

I do not understand why they city of West Hollywood needs to harm in anyway this property that has been around all this time. I drive by on my way to work during the week and have looked at this house for years. Please stop this really stupid idea !!!! Please leave Tara alone !

Paul Erin WilsonLos Angeles, CA -

I have walked by 'Tara' so many times in my 26 years as a West Hollywood resident and I always enjoyed the beauty of this house and its surroundings. Don't let the City of West Hollywood destroy this treasure!

Rose Poirier

West Hollywood, CA -

West Hollywood's CityCouncil should take a good look at San Francisco. San Francisco hasalways taken pride in their city and preserved what depicted an eraslong gone. When I moved to WH from LA I took time looking around anddecided WH would be the place where I wanted my new home. I liked whatI heard about the city's approach to city matters.

When I was much younger Iused to drive up and down the streets of WH to see all the beautifulold mansions which showed the grace and charm of times long gone. Oneof these was Tara. Don' t throw away the gift Mrs. Weisman left WestHollywood and don't betray the citizens of WH in the faith and trustthey have in you as their City Council.

Teddy NikosWest Hollywood,

Tara must be saved. What can I do to help?

Brian TillisWest Hollywood, CA -

Thisshould be decided by public discussion, careful study of optionPRESENTED TO ALL OF WEST HOLLYWOOD, opinion gathered and only then,voted upon. Why such a huge budget for pre-development? How was the"public" project bid? Who is getting rich while stealing our park? DoI smell Enron/MCI right here in WEHO?

Mary ChalmersWest Hollywood, CA -

DO NOT tear this beauty down. I'm from the South and its awesome to see something like this in the middle of an already congested city. Pick on the character-less dilapidated mid-century apartment buildings down the street. Not this gem.

Shawn MimbsWest Hollywood, CA -

Thisis just 3 council members playing politics for their own sick personalgain at the expense of this beautiful historic home. Absolute powercorrupts absolutely. These council members don't care whose lives theyruin in attempting to strengthen their political power base. Let the100 year old trees be damned! First it was apartment owners, now it'stenants who happen to live in the apartment building the City now owns,next it's going to be your house or condo they come for. Remember thisat election time: Heilman & Land will stop at nothing in theircrusade for power. Duran - don't be deceived by these folks.

John NorrisWest Hollywood, CA -

In1989 the WH City Council wanted to tear out West Hollywood Park on SanVicente Blvd to make room for WH Civic Center. It took a VERY SMALLgroup of people to stop this, and I was one of them. We worked monthscollecting signatures, speaking at council meetings, etc. and it wasformer WH Councilmember Steve Schulte that led the fight to save thepark. It was a very tough battle but less than a handful of WHResidents saved the park. The park is enjoyed by so many people, butcertain members of the WH Council are at it again,,,,so there isanother battle with them to save WH Park. But right now we have tosave TARA. Take a look where the council members who want to destroythis magnificent property live. CONDOS..... Abby and John H. have nolove for trees, grass or NATURE. John Duran, here is your chance tomake a "name" for yourself.......do not be a follower of destructivepeople, who have no love for nature, for beauty...

Roslyn KrauseWest Hollywood, CA -

Iattended council meeting for senior housing. I am Russian woman whofled ex-soviet USSR, like many others. I am proud to live in LosAngeles. I have many friends in west Hollywood so I went to meeting.Unlike many there, I decided to keep "open mind" and listen to allsides, especially those who want to "save tara'. Please understandmost ex-soviet people here are very good people, very caring, and notreally well represented by those at the meeting who really didn'tunderstand what was happening. We were told to go to the meeting, getfree meal, and wear buttons and speak to ask for senior housing. Yes, Iwant cheap housing, but i don't want to live at expense of others. Most Russians feel same way, and aren't represented by those who showedup at meeting to get free meal.

Please, this is becoming adivisive issue for unnecessary reason. I have many friends in WestHollywood and attitude seems to be to get everything for nothing fromcity. when does it stop? I say to friends "what if city council comesfor your apartment next; then what do you do"? We are on low fixedincome. most important thing to us is to know we can live where we arein safety and security. to have council come around and take away theirhome seems very wrong. Very very wrong. Ex soviets should know thisbetter than anyone but they get hypnotized at idea of winning lotteryas promised by city people. I and many others are smarter and don'tbelieve this. Let them live in their beautiful home. Thank you.

Debrina CharkovhLos Angeles, CA -

Toobad I have to use a fake name as I know I would be blackballed by thecity council. Looks like the council does not care about renters, asthey favor the opportunistic greedy people who don't even live here. Iam thoroughly disgusted by John Heilmans comment that it was "easy" forhim to come to the decision to throw these renters out. Embarrassed. I'm truly embarrassed. I know I would never NEVER give any kind ofgift to any city after this fiasco. We seniors and renters need to getbehind saving Tara. Good lord, what has this city turned into. It's notthe place I helped create 20 years ago. Power has gone to John Heilmanshead and it is disgusting. He ought to be ashamed of himself. Throwthem all out of office. May god help the people at Tara.

SidneyWest Hollywood, CA -

Used to live on Laurel Ave. It would be a real shame not to preserve this property intact!

Liane Schirmer, Los Angeles, CA -

Thisis audacious. The city has plenty of other lots to build affordablehousing in. Disgusting that City of West Hollywood residents will beevicted.

Clint TroutWest Hollywood, CA -

TheCity of West Hollywood should be ashamed of itself in its quest forhousing and the need for preservation of history. I urge everyone onthe City Council to NOT demolish this historical landmark and keep itfor generations to enjoy. Let history stand for something, not anotherdevelopment.

Sincerely, John Mullican

John MullicanWest Hollywood, CA -

I have walked past the house on a weekly basis for the last 11 years. I have already seen a couple of houses on that street fall to have unsightly condos put up. Also, we don't need any more congestion in this area by having multi unit buildings put up.

Craig McDonaldW. Hollywood, CA -

Whata shame the West Hollywood City Council spread lies, and mislead peopleinto believing they have a realistic chance of winning a lottery to getone of the $200 a month proposed low income apartments. The Citycontinues to lead people to believe they will go to West Hollywoodresidents, and the reality is since it is FEDERAL money, it is equallyopen to any senior, anywhere in the entire USA. Many tens of thousandswill be putting their names into the lottery. It's sad that theresidents of West Hollywood will lose a beautiful and historic landmarkfor the benefit of a few people that don't even live here now. Remember at election time who voted to destroy this beloved site: Heilman, Land and Duran. Remember who voted to SAVE Tara: JeffPrang. Sal Guarriello abstained from voting.

James FuhrmanWest Hollywood, CA -

I've seen too much of our shared history, heritage and culture in the Los Angeles area short-sightedly destroyed since I moved here ten years ago. You're fighting the good fight and I support you 100%!

Adam FosterLos Angeles, CA - Sunday,

Don't erase any more of Hollywood's glorious/glamorous past. Enough of it has been turned into strip malls/malls.. Just up the street lays the ground that Shwabs pharmacy was on... Gone forever...

Nick SternbergHollywood, CA -

Ihave been following with increasing alarm the City of West Hollywood'sproposals for the redevelopment of 1343 N. Laurel Avenue. This was thehome of my Aunt, Elsie Weisman, and, in an earlier era, that of myfather Leroy and my grandfather Adolph Linick. After insisting onattaching "historical" status to the property, West Hollywood nowproposes to remove most of the trees and to encircle this lovely andunique house with an apartment complex. If Mt. Rushmore were in WestHollywood no doubt they would build a strip mall on the presidents'heads and call this "historic preservation".

Dr. Anthony LinickLondon, England -

Firstof all why would we want to get rid of what very few historic houses wehave. Second of all there is already too much on this street and itdoes not need anything else.

Claire KollerWest Hollywood CA -

As one who was at the center of the creation of this city twenty years ago, I am deeply troubled by what has become the "land grab" that is happening all over our city.

Thishouse was given in good faith to the city. It would make a marvelouslibrary, which the city needs right now. The grounds are a culturalheritage of a by-gone era of California life.

There is no wayto build anything around this house without destroying the oasis likequality of this parcel of land. The promise must be kept, the entireproperty must be respected as it is, the intended legacy must behonored.

I urge every resident of West Hollywood to see themost recent John Sayles (Director) movie, "SUNSHINE STATE" which isabout how developers work, and how they have no respect for the peoplewho live on the land.

"Tara" must be preserved, and used as a Library and cultural center as was the original intent of the donor.

If this City Council cannot see this, and ASSURE the preservation of "Tara", then it is time for them to be replaced.

Ed Garren, "Save WEHO"West Hollywood, Ca -

I am in favor of saving and preserving Tara.

Dr. Barbra Rubin West Hollywood, Ca -

This property should be left alone! There are many apartment buildings from the 60's and 70's in WeHo in need of repair/updating. Why doesn't the city council address these eyesores instead of this beautiful property? Their (city council) priorities are wrong.

Gerry West Hollywood, Ca -

I have lived across the street from Tara for the last 33 1/2 years of my life, I am fortunate enough to look directly at Tara as my bedroom and living room face Tara and I have looked at that beautiful old structure for many years. My partner of 25 years just passed away on the last day of Christmas, and the loss of Tara would be too much to bear. When I moved here in 1970 there were no stoplights at Laurel and Sunset and at Fountain and Laurel, so we did not have the constant traffic flow that we have now. This place is an oasis, and it should not be altered in anyway. We just got a new condominium unit up the street, with another monstrosity under construction next door. We have no places to park on the street as it is. All we definitely don't need is to destroy this historic residence. All I can say is Please SAVE TARA.

Stanford SmevoldWest Hollywood, CA -

Intheir investigation of Watergate, Woodward and Bernstein were advisedby a confidential inside source, that if they wanted the answers, tofollow the money. On a small scale, this is the case with what ishappening to “Tara” and other historic sites in Southern California. Itdoesn’t take an informant to see that the motivating factors of thosewho would destroy this precious property have more to gain than theirstated altruistic goals. Look at the two factions who are battling inthis case. On one side you have a small band of citizens devoted topreserving a significant historical site. None of them have anythingpersonal to gain. Even the folks who live there know that, no matterwhat happens with the property, they will, at some point, be relocated.Now take a look at the other side. A wealthy developer and his team oflawyers. So-called historical preservationists, arborists, consultants,contractors, etc. being paid a tidy sum to say what their employerswant to hear. Small time, greedy, short-sighted City Council memberswith aspirations to higher political office along with city workers whoare all very likely on the take. Bottom-line, there is a great deal ofmoney to be had if this plan is approved. Not by the City, of course.We get a HUD grant to build the monstrosity and subsidies to provide ahandful of needy people with apartments, while the developer and therest of the aforementioned hypocrites walk away having increased theirpersonal wealth. Because the federal government is involved, I believethis seamy situation calls for an in-depth investigation into who isbeing paid how much and by whom. Follow the money. It may not lead tothe top as Watergate did, but in greed and politics, the middle isusually where corruption lives.

BillWest Hollywood, CA -

West Hollywood was once full of homes like Tara, bungalows, Thematic Duplex's and graceful courtyard apartments, only a handful remain. Where there was beauty, now we are left with a city full of eyesores. Horrific box like apartments built in the 1960's and 70's. Why does the city continue to bulldoze any charm that's left in the city when there are so many ugly buildings which could only improve by being demolished or redeveloped. Save Tara and her historic low density neighbors.

Rich JohnsonWest Hollywood, CA -

In former soviet union, government doesn't ask for opinion of residents. They just come in and tell people to be out by whatever date. At least in America, government has hearings, meetings debates, discussions etc.. The result however will be the same. Whenever someone loses their home it is sad.

Vernalenya ZargonyakovEast West Hollywood, CA -

I'm a life-long renter's rights advocate in Santa Monica, where we have sort of a bond with West Hollywood; but there's something wrong with this picture. Ho w can they justify evicting people out of their home, renters, who need to be protected? Surely there must be council candidates who will truly do what they say and protect renters? I was in Weho last week. there are lots of junky buildings that should be torn down. Why do they have to pick this place to do this?

Jenny (Ashamed)Santa Monica, -

The lot of the council is a bunch of corrupt individuals out to take over this building that they declared "historic". Their actions are sickening. They want to turn every piece of land into junk housing for the sick and poor. When is enough enough? Where are the parks they promised since we became a city? DISGUSTED!%$#*! Who keeps voting for these clowns? Not me.

AnthonyWest Holly, Ca -

We have so few things in West Hollywood worth saving -- what with ugly statues and inappropriate tree selection. Let's keep something that shows some class!

Deloris LuckmanWest Hollywood, CA -

Thanks for this great website. If the city comes around with bulldozers, we need to be prepared to stand in the way. It seems unfair to the people living there now for the city to evict them to make way for outsiders looking for a cheap place to live. I'm all for helping the poor but do they all expect to live in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and weho? Can't the housing be built on some other lot where people aren't living already, or that isn't so beautiful and historic? I thought the big development at La Brea should have had some room to build some housing. I heard it was supposed to be built there? Why didn't that happen? Why is the City in this mess right now? Save Tara!

M.J. LessLaurel Ave, Weho -

When I first moved to California in 1977, a two-way stop sign regulated the flow of traffic at the corner of Laurel and Fountain where I still live today. Since then, West Hollywood has distinguished itself not only as a treasured village-like community nestled in the center of one of the top four most densely populated areas in the country, but also as a Mecca for individuals seeking personal freedom in lifestyle choices. I have always counted on West Hollywood to provide me with what I need as a resident and have been comfortable with its measured growth over the last quarter of a century. In the last few years, however, the development projects looming as its gateways and creeping onto its side streets seem destined to threaten its unique character. Or, as a witty neighbor recently declared, "Soon we might as well be living in Chino!" A healthy community needs space for its citizens to work, to play, and to dream. While our elected officials are busy approving the addition of concrete, stretching construction taller and wider than ever before, randomly dissolving pieces of our past, and uprooting green things and destroying habitat, the magnetic collective identity we've all invested in is eroding. We owe it to ourselves to plan the future with wisdom, respect and accountability. The Weisman house at 1343 N. Laurel Avenue is a testament to our City's unusual and enviable balance of the old and new; commerce and quaintness. "Tara" is a stellar example of what's worth fighting for to protect and preserve the essence of West Hollywood.

Samara Bowes WhitesidesWest Hollywood, CA -

Add my name to save this historic building.

F. Gary AugeriWest Hollywood, ca -

Hi from all your friends at the Midnight Mission Thrift Store, we are behind the saving of this beautiful home. I can't imagine what is more important than preserving our history. Good Luck.

Bill Day and StaffMidnight Mission Thrift Store, ca -

Isn'tit just like the powers of West Hollywood to squelch development of theproperty by the owners, by placing it on the Historic Register; just to"hold" it for their own use in the future. This is supposed to be acity of diversity. If we demolish (or architecturally encapsulate) allthe examples of diversity to make this area a subsidized Mecca we willloose our all the charm the city has to offer. As for the green spacethat they will provide at the space if it is developed; it will morethan likely look like the weedy looking green space created at Fairfaxand Santa Monica. Ê Let's leave a few rambling majestic examples of ourpast unscathed.

L NeumeisteWest Hollywood, ca -

A very sad commentary on the actions of the WH City Council in destroying this beautiful property.

Roslyn KrauseWest Hollywood, Ca -

How dare our local council try to destroy this beautiful home. I wish I was lucky to live there. I hope the council reads this and knows especially the ones up for reelection next year. We will be looking at your votes on this rather carefully and will be ready to vote you out of office once and for all. As the sign outside says: Don't mess with Tara! Scott

We so desperately need senior housing all over but our city simply can't provide it for everyone. No city can. It seems wrong to evict those already there even for the benefit of more who might live there in the future. Surely there are other lots in the city that could be used which are of no historical significance. We all have to stick together!

Gloria RicciWest Hollywood, ca -

As a former West Hollywood resident, I am saddened by the City's deceptive practices under the guise of providing affordable senior housing on the Tara property. The City has many other properties that are not classified as Historic that they can provide affordable senior housing on. Seniors who are not even southern California residents have the opportunity to jump on the affordable bandwagon. What about the seniors who live in our community? This is a scam and to use seniors as your emotional hot button is shameful! What happened to our democratic process?

Wendy RoltLos Angeles, CA -

As a longtime former West Hollywood resident, I feel so sad to see how the promise of short-term gain threatens the quality of life for the majority of city residents. Tara is a stunningly gorgeous land and invaluable piece of history that can yield riches both culturally AND financially without being decimated.

Todd MandelPasadena, CA -

An irreplaceable jewel is about to be ground up and turned into infill housing. Tragic. Perhaps we should be desensitized by now to the appalling spectacle of politicians crassly destroying our environment and heritage for a sleazy real estate deal and then self servingly defending themselves by crying, "What, you don't believe in subsidized housing for seniors?" How dare you. In this age of the false dichotomy, our local leaders seem to be following in the footsteps of government at the highest levels in which opposition to, for instance, war, is conflated with "support for terrorism". I think we can do better. The call is for the "Creative City" to be creative in addressing the needs of seniors AND our environment AND our heritage not spend wit and energy to create a phony zero-sum game in which, ultimately, everyone loses. I still believe that, together, we can provide for our current needs by some other means than pushing the birthright of generations to come into the blades of heedless destruction.

Geoffrey DeWanLos Angeles, Ca. -

To the City of West Hollywood: I think it is a sin to ruin this property. You have already allowed two travesties to be built on the northeast side of this block (one is still under construction & it doesn't fit the scale of the other surrounding buildings in any way.) I do not trust that the city of West Hollywood has any preservation policy,; I only see the hands of progress & greed at work. the Millennium on Sunset & the new Target monstrosity are two recent examples... Please try & be more inventive & creative with your reuse of this building which is one of the oldest in the entire area. Thank you!

Charles BakerWest Hollywood, CA -

As a neighbor of Tara and a member of the Los Angeles design community I am deeply saddened that the City of West Hollywood, in it's vain attempts in reinventing itself, has forgotten who she is. We don't need to destroy our history with the futile act of packing a few more sardines into an already overburdened neighborhood. Shame on you City!

Lucius LamarWest Hollywood, CA -

I support the efforts to save Tara. It has long been a wonderful homestead in a community blighted by overdevelopment of mult-unit housing. How sad it is that the City of West Hollywood would take a gift meant for preservation and turn it into a commercial enterprise benefiting only a few. Please count me in to stand and fight the development of Tara.

Kerry HamiltonWest Hollywood, CA -

I love walking by the house everyday from the gym on Sunset. It's the only place in the area that looks like you are looking into another part of the country - a southern home or property you would find in colonial state in the North East. It's so beautiful just the way it is - overgrown with a lot of character.

Carlos HealyWest Hollywood, CA -

For many years most if not all developers, civic minded or for profit have view Los Angeles land resources as unlimited. Well I here to say that IT IS LIMITED and when we are all dead and gone it would be a shame that Tara would be torn down for yet more people who really could care less about Los Angeles move here. I am all for any one whom wants to move here but not at the expenses of a treasure like "Tara". We as community minded people who care must fight this short minded plan to our fullest ability. Thanks goodness for people like Allegra, Kent and Sandy Dugas - for if they didn't care we would all be driving by "Tara" saying should have, could have and why the hell did we sit on our hands when this was happening. Thanks Kelly Cox

Kelly CoxLos Angeles, CA -

Where are the other seniors in the area standing up for the people that live there? We got rent control and we got renter's rights in the City by sticking together. I ask again where are the other seniors? How come they haven't come forward to protect our fellow residents as the city threatens to evict them? I fear they fear retribution from the city for speaking out to support these nice people. I'm ashamed and embarrassed for all of the renters in the city that stay home quietly and let our rights disappear right in front of our eyes. I wish I could sign my name but I've seen what they are capable of. May God help them.

Too Afraid to give my nameWest Hollywood, CA -

I just wanted to say that I walked past the barbecue that was happening at your property March 7th, and although I didn't come in, I did think it was touching and it makes me so sad that the most beautiful property on Laurel Avenue is in trouble. As if this area needs more traffic... from reading your site, I see no reason why they can't just make it a cultural center; or, I don't know... let seniors live in the existing house. It just sounds so greedy, and sad. So, I applaud what you are doing. I am sorry I was too shy to come in and say hello. Good luck. Please keep the people of Laurel Avenue informed.

An anonymous visitor :-)WestHollywood, ca -

I live on the block at 1403 Laurel Ave. Our lives have been disrupted by the construction across the street - the tearing down of the African Embassy. To make any changes to alter 1343 will be dire! It is the only piece of greenery on the block. It will add to the already overwhelming crush of this neighborhood.

Lizzie BordenWestHollywood, ca -

I live in the Hollywood Hills. I have been here for 30 years. I am totally against you building a 35-unit housing project wrapped around the house known as TARA of Laurel Ave. I say you are building this monstrosity because by your lack of action to stop this madness, you are the one building it. I am totally against this building and will fight it by all the means available to me. Want names???? I'll have any petition signed that will stop you......shame on you........

Faith GudeLos Angeles, ca -

I love Tara, it's a wonderful property I live in the big building in the corner of Crescent Heights and Fountain that takes pets I love to walk my dog on your street just so I can go by Tara and feel the history that tells when you put attention Good luck and if there is anything else I can do and it's in my possibilities, let me know.

Maria Olga PaizWestHollwood, ca -

I am emailing my support to stop City Hall from tearing down this historic property. Disgusting, as in the 1233 multigenerational housing project - density awful, tenants all non WeHo residents.

JLubinWestHollwyood, ca -

I can't believe that West Hollywood is actually going to demolish another historical landmark. I was just telling someone that at least they left one of those homes on North Laurel. I believed that the City of West Hollywood would be a good part of L.A. to live in because they believed in the community. Not so! Thought this was a liberal community but realize it is very fascist. All my life I have been interested in historic L.A. I am amazed that historic landmarks are constantly torn down to make way for parking lots or hideous cell like apartments that can hold 50 units. I don't understand why buildings are registered as landmarks at all. Please let me know if you need help to flyer or petition etc. I would at least like to know if I myself can go to city hall and make my opinion known. Thank you for pointing this out to our neighborhood. Sincerely, Anna Ommanney Maybe there is an option that can incorporate the city making money by keeping the property as it is.

Anna OmmanneyWest Hollywood, CA -

Is city hall going to come after my home next? We seniors need to stick together. Prayer is the answer. Protect the home of the residents there now.

Bobby FletcherWest Hollywood, Ca -

This is a historical landmark and MUST be saved. The original owner, (who donated this property to the city of West Hollywood) gave the property in good faith that her wishes would be respected. SHAME ON ANYONE or any city official who disregards the wishes and requests of the great people who contribute to the betterment of West Hollywood. Especially after they pass on. The property is so beautiful and amazing that after anyone sees it they all agree that it is a last true space of tranquility and peace. If the city is NOT concerned about the history and beauty of West Hollywood, maybe they can make the current tenants homeless and turn this lovely property into a new strip-mall including a Starbucks or low rent housing. Like we really need that!

Bobby LeighW. Hollywood, CA -

I live in the neighborhood and have been fascinated with this home on my daily walk for 27 years. It would be criminal to have anything done to change this cherished property

Charlotte JohnsonW Hollywood, ca -

Please don't let them lose their home. Stop this madness. They did this to my family in Ukraine. I came to America to get away from state doing this. Don't let it happen. God bless all of you.

Irena KorocomskayaW. Hollywood, -

Hopefully the City Council will recognize that the way to help seniors/low income people ALREADY living in West Hollywood, is NOT to throw the long-time Tara residents out. There are lots of other buildings in the City which, due to neglect, could be torn down and replaced with modern senior/low income housing. Tara is the wrong place to do this. If the City Council destroys Tara, why on earth would anyone in the future even remotely consider donating HISTORIC property to the City for protection"?

James FuhrmanWest Hollywood,

What a disgrace! Such an important part of W. Hollywood's historic landmark. All for the all mighty dollar. Let's save Tara!

Lydia Rivera & Michael HargroveW. Hollywood, ca -

We need to fight to save this historic landmark - it is an important and vital part of the WeHo community!

Michael Potter

Los Angeles, CA -

Elsie Weisman left her home to the City of West Hollywood to be preserved as an historic site. For it to be destroyed by the city is to dishonor Elsie's gift and effectively discourage anyone from ever leaving anything to the city ever again.